Georgia sound, Vol. 15, no. 3 (Fall 2009

Fall 2009

Vol.15, No.3

National Estuaries Day
September 26, 2009 is National Estuaries Day! In this issue of the Georgia Sound, you will find background information on our estuaries to help you understand what an estuary is, and why they are so important.

Simply, estuaries are the mixing zone where fresh water meets salt and they are exceedingly important. Since the first inhabitants settled along coastal Georgia, we have relied on our estuaries and the services they provide. Each day, Georgia's tides move plankton and nutrients in and out of the estuarine waters - making the area an incredibly productive ecosystem. These estuaries are important nursery grounds for many organisms such as shrimp, crabs, fish and shellfish. Estuaries provide shipping avenues for commerce, recreational fishing and boating opportunities. They support our state's commercial fishing and shellfish industries. The quality and vastness of our estuaries also attract large numbers of annual visitors who participate in birding festivals, photography workshops, kayaking tours and nature walks.

Aside from the recreational and

commercial importance of Georgia's

Gould's Inlet

estuaries, there is another very important

function they provide that is often

overlooked. Estuaries buffer our uplands

from wave and current energy driven by

high-energy storms like hurricanes, tropical

storms, and nor'easters and very

importantly - provide floodwater storage

capacity to lessen flooding of uplands. And

estuaries, with proper planning and

execution, enable the disposition of treated Georgia's estuaries contain nearly 350,000 acres of saltmarsh.

human and industrial waste streams,

necessary for our population and commerce to thrive.

Georgia's estuarine areas are vast. Their condition is, for the most part healthy, but certainly not uncompromised. Our estuaries are not just for the taking - they need conserving; they need managing. They need your participation in the process. Participate in government activities to manage the coast, work for a better result, and take care by seeing that your daily personal and occupational activities leave it better all the time...and for all time.

photo credit: Jim Couch

By Brad Gane, Assistant Director for Ecological Services

www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Fall 2009

Page 2

Georgia's Estuaries An Old Place of Constant Change
Each day, thousands of travelers pass through coastal Georgia on Interstate 95. Most don't realize that this bustling highway follows the remnant shoreline of the Late Pleistocene era a time when ocean levels were rising and falling in response to fluctuating climate. Fast-moving vehicles now follow the path where slow-moving giant sloths and lumbering mastodons once traveled.
Beginning thousands of years ago, this remnant shoreline became the dividing point between freshwater wetlands fed by rivers and underground springs and saltier wetlands flooded by seawater from the Atlantic Ocean. Over 2,500 miles of winding waterways connect these wetlands creating one of the most productive ecosystems in the world the estuary.
According to the textbook definition an estuary is a transition zone where fresh water meets and mixes with salt water from an adjacent ocean. This is a rather dull description of an area that has fascinated poets, artists and scientists for centuries.
Depending on your point of view, an estuary is a scene of indescribable beauty, a highway for commerce, a place to recreate or a source of life-giving food. In reality, Georgia's halfmillion acres of estuaries are all of these things.

Graphic: Dr. Bob Dean, University of

Twice-a-day tides of 6 to 9 feet in height push Atlantic Ocean water through nine inlets, also known as sounds, where it flows between and behind the barrier islands mixing with fresh water from several sources. In estuaries like the Altamaha River Delta most of
this fresh water comes from the Altamaha River, which has its headwaters in metropolitan Atlanta. Four smaller rivers feed other estuaries. Some estuaries, like Wassaw near Savannah, are not directly connected to rivers instead relying on local rainfall, runoff and upwelling of groundwater from aquifers to provide life giving fresh water.
The most prominent visible feature of Georgia's estuaries is the marshes. Vast areas of smooth cordgrass, known to botanists as Spartina alterniflora, bind together sediments deposited over thousands of years. The constant cycle of life and death in this plant community adds to other nutrients brought to the estuary from rivers, wetlands, and the sea. The estuary, in turn, repays the favor when large mats of decaying marsh grass or wrack are transported up the connecting rivers and out to the open ocean during periods of higher-than-average tides.
(cont'd next page)

Fall 2009
coastal estuaries (cont'd)

Page 3

Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and Georgia's estuaries set the standard. Yearlong residents like white shrimp share the estuaries with seasonal visitors like the West Indian Manatee. The ever-changing mixture of brackish, nutrient-rich water flowing back and forth over marsh grass, oyster reefs, mud flats, and deep channels creates a diversity of habitats for young and old of many species. A newly born shark finds refuge from its cannibalistic
kin in the fresher areas of the estuary. Wading birds, like the great egret, poise motionless hoping to ambush small fish forced from the marsh by the ebbing tide. Larval shrimp and crab feed on microscopic animals, which in turn feed on decaying organic material.

By their nature, estuaries are constantly changing. Some changes are on a scale of minutes, some occur seasonally, and some plod along on the geologic scale. Some are due to natural processes, others because of man's direct or indirect impacts. Most noticeable is the change in water level due to the tidal cycle. Areas that are dry can be covered with 8 feet of water a mere six hours later. Because of coastal Georgia's location in the center of the South Atlantic Bight, the tidal range is greater than any other place in the Southeastern United States.

Seasonal changes related to weather and fresh water inflow greatly

influence animal and plant

distribution. In years where rainfall is below normal, especially drought years, the estuary will be saltier, which can advantageous to some

What is nonpoint source pollution???
Nonpoint source pollution is a type of polluted water runoff that may enter and harm our waterways. It is caused when rainwater moves over and through the ground picking up natural and human-made pollutants.

species and disadvantageous to others. Often these changes are caused by natural cycles and are perfectly normal. Sometimes, human activities are the causes of these changes. For example, rainfall flows into

The pollutants may include: Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from agricultural and residential areas Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from parking lots and

estuaries in the form of stormwater runoff, often through engineered storm drains. These storm drains may be right next to the estuary or the water may travel great distances via a coastal river. Stormwater may carry pollutants often referred to as non-point

roads Sediments from improperly managed construction sites, crops and forestlands Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pets and faulty septic systems

source pollution. In many instances the estuary can naturally filter these pollutants. There are however some long-term concerns about the increasing coastal population and what affects increased stormwater may

How can you help? Keep litter, pet waste and debris out of storm drains Apply lawn chemical sparingly and according to directions Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease and antifreeze

have on the estuary as an ecosystem.

Have your septic system inspected to be sure it is operating properly

Seasonal storms such as hurricanes can redistribute sand and sediments changing the way the estuary functions. The storm surge from these types of storms may also push saltwater far up coastal rivers. Luckily,

Purchase household cleaners that are low in phosphorus Control soil erosion on your property Encourage your local government to adopt ordinances for runoff

estuarine organisms have developed short-term coping

mechanisms to survive in this harsh environment.

(cont'd next page)

Fall 2009
coastal estuaries (cont'd)

Page 4

Long-term changes, though, may affect these very organisms. There is even concern about global climate change and what affect a continued cycle of rising sea levels may have on Georgia's estuaries.

It should only take a ride down a coastal highway or a short trip in a boat to see how many people flock to the estuaries of Georgia to enjoy boating, fishing, bird watching, kayaking and other water related activities. The economic and ecological value of Georgia's estuaries is tremendous. It is up to all of us to do what we can to conserve and protect Georgia's estuaries for the future.

Contributing Staff: Brad Gane, Jennifer Kline, Paul Medders, Spud Woodward,

Georgia's Important Watershed System
Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes crossing county, state and even national boundaries. A watershed is an area of land that is bounded by certain geographic features such as ridges that divide the direction of surface water flow. A watershed extends from the most upland location from which water will flow through a network of creeks, streams, rivers, sounds, and to the sea. Georgia has 12 major watersheds. Five of them, the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, Satilla, and St Marys, bring fresh water to the coast and drain 50 percent of Georgia's landmass.

The Georgia Sound is produced by the Georgia DNR/Coastal Resources Division. If you would like more information please visit our web site at: www.CoastalGaDNR.org or contact Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218.
This publication is made possible through the efforts of the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division staff and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grand Award #NA07NOS4190182.
Editor: Nancy Butler, CRD Public Affairs Coordinator, GA DNR nancy.butler@dnr.state.ga.us
www.CoastalGaDNR.org

Fall 2009
Short Strikes
By Spud Woodward Assistant Director for Marine Fisheries
National Hunting and Fishing Day Set for September 26, 2009

Page 5

Governor Sonny Perdue has designated Saturday, September 26, 2009 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia. Residents will be able to fish in fresh and salt water without a license
and will not be required to have a wildlife management area permit to fish on state-managed public fishing areas or wildlife management areas. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites will be waiving parking or admission fees on that day, as well.

In 1971, the U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money - more than a billion dollars each year - they donate to wildlife conservation programs.

Georgia residents will be able to fish in fresh and salt water without a license on National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Photo: Chris Woodward

According to the proclamation signed by Governor Perdue, conserving the state's natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations. The conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefitted many wildlife species found within the state's estuaries and coastal area including wading birds, waterfowl and saltwater fish species such as red drum, spotted seatrout and tripletail.

DNR Activities Support National Hunting and Fishing Day
In celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, an Outdoor Adventure Day for youth will be held from 8 am to 12 pm at the Wildlife Resources Division Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery. Contact Tim Barrett at (912) 727-2112 for more information.

Coastal Resources Division staff will be at the Ski Rixen Pond on Jekyll Island from 8:30 am to 12 pm to distribute loaner fishing tackle and bait, and to provide hands-on instruction for novice anglers This 23-acre saltwater impoundment is a great family fishing destination with restrooms and the Tideland Nature Center on the premises. For more information, contact Paul Medders at (912) 264-7218.

Ski Rixen pond on Jekyll Island is a the 23-acre saltwater impoundment which has a population of redfish, seatrout, croaker, flounder, and other critters just waiting for a baited hook.

Fall 2009
2008 A6t,t5e0n0d+ance

Coming Saturday, October 3rd

Page 6
15th Annual

CoastFest is Georgia's largest educational event that celebrates the State's coastal natural environment. This free family-oriented festival brings together over 70 interactive environmental, educational and resource organizations from around the southeast. Visitors can get involved in colonial soldier encampments, see the 500 gallon shark pool, learn how to "Save Georgia's Frogs', watch exciting programs under the Big top... and much more!!

Talk with scientists,

Birds of prey, turtles, snakes,

magicians, colonial

...Catch The Excitement sharks, lionfish!!!

soldiers, weathermen, native americans, scuba divers...
Ga DNR/1C0o:0a0staa.lmR. e-s4o:u0r0cpe.smD.ivision Build a Terrarium

sWanadtcchasatle16b-etocnreated!!

Look Who's Coming to CoastFest...

Directions to CoastFest

American Red Cross ~ American Red Cross Blood Mobile ~

Ashantilly Center, Inc. ~ Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ~

I-95 I-95
US 17

Atsmagic with Magician Arthur Atsma ~ Center for a Sustainable Coast ~

Citizens for Humane Animal Treatment ~ Coastal Conservation Association ~ Coastal Georgia Audubon Society ~ Coastal Regional Commission ~ Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District ~ Crooked River

Exit

38

Spur 25

State Park ~ Cumberland Island National Seashore ~ Driftwood Educational Center ~

Fort Frederica National Monument ~ Ga Soil and Water Conservation Commission ~ Geechee Kunda ~ Georgia Adopt-A-Stream ~ Georgia Aquarium ~ Georgia Association of Marine Educators ~ Georgia Conservancy ~ Georgia DNRCoastal Resources Division ~ Georgia DNR-Environmental Protection Division ~

BRUNSWICK

Exit

29

US 17

DNR

Georgia DNR-Law Enforcement Division ~ Georgia DNR-State Parks and Historic Sites

Georgia DNR-Wildlife Resources Division/Game Management & NonGame Conservation ~ Georgia Forestry Commission ~ Georgia Ports Authority ~ Georgia

Sidney Lanier Bridge

Sea Turtle Center ~ Georgia Southern University-Center for Wildlife Education ~

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia ~ Glynn County 4-H ~ Glynn County Environmental Health ~ Glynn Environmental

Coalition ~ Glynn Recycles ~ Golden Isles Sail & Power Squadron ~ Grays' Reef National Marine Sanctuary ~

International Seafarer's Center ~ Jekyll 4-H Center ~ Jekyll Island Museum ~ Jim Sawgrass-Native American Indian Legend

& Lore ~ Keep Brunswick-Golden Isles Beautiful ~ National Weather Service Office-Charleston ~ National Weather Service

Office-Jacksonville ~ NOAA Fisheries Service ~ Sanctuary on Sapelo Wildlife Resources ~ SandTastics Professional Sand

Sculpting Team ~ Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve ~ Satilla Riverkeeper ~ Satilla Soil and Water

Conservation District ~ Seven Rivers RC&D ~ The Dolphin Project ~ The Society for Georgia Archaeology ~ The Team

Depot Foundation ~ Tidelands Nature Center ~ Tybee Island Marine Science Center ~ UGA/Marine Extension Service-

Brunswick ~ UGA Marine Extension Service - Education Center & Aquarium ~ UGA/Marine Extension Service-Shellfish

Research Laboratory ~ UGA Mobile Aquarium ~ UGA Warnell School of Forestry ~ US Army Corps of Engineers ~ US

Coast Guard Auxiliary ~ US Coast Guard-Brunswick Station ~ US Fish & Wildlife Service ~ US Geological Survey ~ USDA

Farm Service Agency ~ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

CoastFest is sponsored by the GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division/Coastal Zone Management Program and made possible through a grant provided by NOAA. For information contact Nancy Butler, at 912.262.3140 or email nancy.butler@dnr.state.ga.us

www.CoastalGaDNR.org